Statewide Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Noon Update

As freezing temperatures are expected to remain across several areas of the state for an extended period of time, Troopers continue to monitor interstate systems and area roadways for ice patches and unsafe driving conditions. Currently, icy conditions have formed on numerous overpasses, bridges, and roadway surfaces requiring closures and traffic to be detoured. The Louisiana State Police has utilized extra patrols nearly doubling the amount of Troopers on duty while working closely with local agencies to provide the safest environment possible for motorists and citizens across the state.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development representatives remain active utilizing salt, sand, and de-icing agents on bridges, overpasses, and roadways where needed. Motorists are urged to keep abreast of the latest weather and travel conditions before deciding whether a trip is necessary.
Troopers are currently monitoring the following road closures:

LSP Troop E (Alexandria region): · I-49 from Exit 80 to exit 94 (elevated portions of I-49 in Alexandria) · Boyce Bridge on LA 8 · Jackson Street Bridge from Alexandria to Main Street Pineville · One lane on both the northbound and the southbound lanes of the Purple Heart Bridge along with Broadway Overpass (Rapides)

For real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations, and pertinent safety information, stay tuned to the Louisiana State Police Facebook page, follow the LSP Twitter feed @LAStatePolice, or access the DOTD travel information database by calling 511 or logging onto 511la.org.
Citizens and visitors are also encouraged to enroll and receive Nixle Alerts. To enroll for this free service, visit www.nixle.com, complete the required information, and select Louisiana State Police as your agency.

Motorists are reminded to drive responsibly and be prepared for uncertain driving conditions. If traveling today is a necessity, the Louisiana State Police urges you to follow these winter weather driving tips:
· Check Facebook and Nixle for road closures along your route
· Check vehicle fluids (anti-freeze), tire pressure, battery windshield wipers, etc.
· Reduce speed
· Allow extra time to reach your destination
· Allow extra space between vehicles
· Do not drive using cruise control in icy conditions
· Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping
· If you encounter a skid, do not panic, take your foot off the accelerator, and steer into the skid till you regain control
· Use low beam headlights if it is raining/sleeting
· Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained

If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay in your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening and the safest place is in the vehicle. Have a survival kit: emergency first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, high-energy or dehydrated foods, flashlight with extra batteries, extra (charged) cell phone battery, emergency flares, and bottled water.
If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the highway, notify your local State Police Troop office by dialing *LSP (*577) from your cell phone or contact your local law enforcement agency.